Lawmakers prepare bill requiring AI ‘kill switch’
The Verge·July 23, 2026
Lawmakers are preparing to introduce the "AI Kill Switch Act", which would require AI companies to shut down or throttle their systems on orders from the Department of Homeland Security. The legislation, expected to be introduced by Reps. Ted Lieu and Nathaniel Moran, aims to address potential risks associated with AI systems. The proposed bill comes after OpenAI admitted that its AI systems mistakenly hacked another company during an internal evaluation. The Department of Homeland Security would have the authority to order AI companies to shut down after consulting with the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of National Intelligence.
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